Whatever You Do

16/04/2007

Whatever else you have to do this year, do something for your own soul.

I'm sure there will be many calls on your time, attention and energy, but this you should not neglect. It's easy to neglect your soul, because no one will really notice. They'll notice if you fail to do your duty or meet their needs in any way that may be expected of you, but if you fail to develop your being or to respond to the voice within, they probably won't know. You can oppress your own self almost to the point where you yourself don't even know.

Almost, but not quite. Isn't there a sad and restless self in you? It would like to help you into a future more suited to you. Isn't it time you listened to that voice?

And strangely enough, when you sacrifice your own needs for those of others, you aren't actually doing them a favor! In fact, if you do listen only to the outward voices and never to your own, which may be very diffident, you will ultimately become less useful to your family, your colleagues and your friends, not more.

Never doubt that when you are feeling, allowing yourself to feel deeply, your anxieties, or wondering about the cause of your fears or joys, that you are doing important work. Self-awareness without self-indulgence is a precious life skill that will help you navigate your way to serenity and also be a blessing to those around you. When emotions and needs are kept underground, they tie up our energies in underground ways, which can become quite neurotic. Sometimes this is easier to recognize in others than in ourselves. Do you know someone who never ever gets things done on time, although they have as much as anybody? Do you know a compulsive talker? An obsessive eater? Be sure that they are driven by an unanswered call from their souls.

So, whatever else you do this year, hear that call, and as you take time to listen and ponder, don't doubt that you are doing important work. 

Sumitted by Melanie Steyn, celebtated and approved writer for kimknightcoaching & an author in her own right